The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Located near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, the Peach Valley OHV Staging Area is part of the 9,700-acre Flat Top-Peach Valley OHV Recreation Area. The area offers visitors more than 2,500 acres of designated open play areas, plus more than 75 miles of multi-use trails. OHV riders can also enjoy the Peach Valley Skills Course, which is funded and maintained by the fees collected to enter the area. Hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders will also find plenty to enjoy on the area’s trails.
Located in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, this gorgeous trail is short but provides stunning views.
Length: 0.6 miles
Intensity: Easy
A fantastic challenge for experienced hikers, this trail climbs steadily upwards and offers amazing views and chances to spot wildlife.
Length: 4.3 miles
Intensity: Difficult
Located in Olathe, one of the towns closest to the Peach Valley OHV Staging Area, this route is secluded and quiet.
Length: 6.7 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Located in the nearby town of Montrose, this pathway is well-groomed, making it suitable for the whole family, including less experienced hikers.
Length: 14.4 miles
Intensity: Easy
This trail offers beautiful views of the canyon, but it can become muddy during the spring.
Length: 2.9 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Gunnison River, for which the nearby national park is named, is one of the best fishing spots in the area. Visitors can either fish from a boat or wade into the river to fly-fish. Most anglers catch trout.
The area around the Peach Valley OHV Staging Area has several excellent rock climbing locations. Dry Creek Crag, for example, offers more than 20 traditional, top rope, sport, and bouldering routes of varying difficulties. The North Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison provides climbers with almost 100 routes. Most are traditional climbs, but there are also some top rope, bouldering, ice, aid, and mixed options available, depending on the season.
Although wildlife can be viewed in the Flat Top-Peach Valley OHV Recreation Area, visitors may spot more wildlife by traveling to a quieter location, such as the Black Canyon in the Gunnison National Park. Here, explorers can often view or photograph bighorn sheep, elk, skunks, deer, beavers, squirrels, chipmunks, and porcupines. Bats can be seen in the evening or early morning hours.
Many people head to Fox Park in Montrose for picnicking. The park has tables and restrooms, and there are grassy areas and playgrounds as well. Taviwach Park is another great picnicking option. This scenic park offers picnic tables. Visitors will also be able to walk to hiking trails and fishing spots from the park.
BLM RV camping is available right at the Peach Valley OHV Staging Area. Stays of up to seven days and six nights are permitted. RV camping is also available at Riverbend RV Park & Cabins. This beautiful park provides many comfort amenities, including a bathhouse, hookups, and a laundry area. Anyone looking for group activities can head to the communal patio, and a dog park is available. Montrose/Black Canyon National Park KOA Journey also provides a dog park, and the campsites have hookups.
Visitors to the Peach Valley OHV Staging Area can find Bureau of Land Management free camping at the Iron Springs Campground. The campground is relatively small, and there are only eight sites, which are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Anyone with a larger RV might want to check out the Cottonwood Grove Campground, which offers six sites with picnic tables, toilets, and fire rings.
In the Flat Top-Peach Valley OHV Recreation Area’s open play areas, no full-sized vehicles are permitted. Only UTVs and ATVs of 50 inches or less, dirt bikes, mountain bikes, horses, and hikers are allowed. Away from the open areas, riders must always stay on signed, designated trails. All OHV riders must have a valid Colorado State Parks OHV sticker displayed in a visible area on their equipment. Out-of-state visitors will need to obtain a non-resident registration for their vehicle. Visitors will need to purchase a day-use pass, a day-use and camping pass, or an annual day-use pass before entering the area.
No wood fires are allowed in the OHV recreation area. If you need to cook food, you may use a gas stove. You can also utilize the charcoal grills provided at the staging area.
Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Visitors to Bureau of Land Management campgrounds or other natural areas, including OHV areas, must follow Leave No Trace and tread lightly practices. This means staying on designated trails and only camping in areas with little vegetation where the ground is durable. Be aware of fire danger and practice fire safety to limit the risk of wildfires. Always pack out any trash with you and dispose of it properly.
From Montrose, take Townsend Avenue/US-50 northwest for about 9.2 miles. At Falcon Road, turn east and continue for another 3.8 miles. This road curves slightly left and becomes Peach Valley Road. Continue for another 0.7 miles until you reach the staging and trail access area. You can also reach the staging area from Olathe by taking Falcon Road east for about 4.5 miles.
Ready to visit Peach Valley OHV Staging Area? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
